Emotional Stories for Kids

Some stories just pull at your heartstrings more than others. Whether it's because their characters are so fully drawn or because their stories are particularly poignant, these emotional books are sure to strike a chord in young readers. For more stories that deal with kids' feelings, check out Books About Friendship and Books That Teach Empathy.

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Charlotte's Web Poster Image

BOOK

Charlotte's Web

age 7+

Gentle, much-loved barnyard classic delights all ages.

By: E.B. White (1952)

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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Poster Image

BOOK

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

age 7+

Heartless toy finds love in a cruel world.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2006)

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The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond Poster Image

BOOK

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond

age 8+

Sweet tale of biracial girl in search of lost family.

By: Brenda Woods (2014)

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Caterpillar Summer Poster Image

BOOK

Caterpillar Summer

age 8+

Touching tale of girl's summer with brother, family secrets.

By: Gillian McDunn (2019)

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Escape from Aleppo Poster Image

BOOK

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

Gripping, moving tale of Syrian teen fleeing war-torn city.

By: N.H. Senzai (2018)

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Extraordinary Birds Poster Image

BOOK

Extraordinary Birds

age 8+

Kid in foster care learns to trust in beautiful story.

By: Sandy Stark-McGinnis (2019)

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I Can Make This Promise Poster Image

BOOK

I Can Make This Promise

age 8+

Native American girl learns family secrets in touching tale.

By: Christine Day (2019)

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Love That Dog Poster Image

BOOK

Love That Dog

age 8+

Boy pours his grief into poetry in moving free-verse gem.

By: Sharon Creech (2004)

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A child gazing at the moon.

BOOK

Oh, Sal

age 8+

Wonderful chapter book about new-sibling emotions.

By: Kevin Henkes (2022)

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Ms. Bixby's Last Day Poster Image

BOOK

Ms. Bixby's Last Day

age 8+

Remarkable story of three boys honoring spirited teacher.

By: John David Anderson (2016)

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The Season of Styx Malone Poster Image

BOOK

The Season of Styx Malone

age 8+

Heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.

By: Kekla Magoon (2018)

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Silver Meadows Summer Poster Image

BOOK

Silver Meadows Summer

age 8+

Poignant story of Puerto Rican girl adapting to life in U.S.

By: Emma Otheguy (2019)

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Rain Reign Poster Image

BOOK

Rain Reign

age 9+

Poignant tale of autistic girl and her dog.

By: Ann M. Martin (2014)

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Red, White, and Whole Poster Image

BOOK

Red, White, and Whole

age 9+

Emotional novel in verse follows 1983 Indian American teen.

By: Rajani LaRocca (2021)

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Sisters Poster Image

BOOK

Sisters

age 9+

Funny, moving memoir is great for younger comics fans.

By: Raina Telgemeier (2014)

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Song for a Whale Poster Image

BOOK

Song for a Whale

age 9+

Compelling tale of deaf girl's search for a whale.

By: Lynne Kelly (2019)

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Where the Red Fern Grows Poster Image

BOOK

Where the Red Fern Grows

age 9+

Tearjerker about country boy and his hound dogs.

By: Wilson Rawls (1961)

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As Brave As You Poster Image

BOOK

As Brave As You

age 10+

Poignant summer adventure brims with family love and hope.

By: Jason Reynolds (2016)

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Just Like Jackie Poster Image

BOOK

Just Like Jackie

age 10+

Emotional tale of girl's struggle with her family history.

By: Lindsey Stoddard (2018)

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Mockingbird Poster Image

BOOK

Mockingbird

age 10+

Moving tale of girl whose brother died in school shooting.

By: Kathryn Erskine (2010)

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